Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI)

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Taxation (including smuggling control)

Evidence from low-, middle- and high-income countries shows that increase in price of tobacco products is effective in reducing the demand. Higher prices induce tobacco users to quit and prevent other individuals from starting. They also reduce the number of ex-tobacco users who take up tobacco again, and reduce consumption among continuing consumers Children and adolescents are more responsive to price increases than older adults.

Tobacco smuggling has become a critical public health issue because it brings tobacco into markets cheaply, making cigarettes more affordable and thus stimulating consumption. Smuggling control requires a co-ordinated action between different government institutions.